:: Rae Road

Mark Rae

Mark Rae is one half of acclaimed act Rae & Christian. This is an inviting debut solo effort although he decided not to sing on this album. However, he does a fine job in compiling the vocals and instrumentals. He goes into his eclectic foray of jazzy grooves and funk-based hip-hop. The deck work accompanies a generally relaxed vibe. “Lavish”, which features the vocals of Veba, is a terrific example of how absorbing the record is. Veba also sings delightfully on “Fold Or Flower”. The album could take a couple of really good listens to digest, but you will be curious by the separate existence of each track, thereby not allowing a gelling together of sounds. “Candystripe” is another track worth listening for. It features a vocal contribution by Joseph Cotton. It took some time for Mark Rae to get the finished product, but he succeeds in providing a cool little diversion from a Rae & Christian record.